Welcome back to the Look and Sound of Leadership, an ongoing series of executive

coaching tips designed to help you be perceived in the workplace the way you want

to be perceived. I'm Tom Henschel, your executive coach, and today we're talking

about status. Madeline told me she had an unusual request.

It's about Christie, she said with a smile.

I adored Christie.

Christie was Madeline's assistant.

My coaching relationship with Madeline had been ongoing for several years

and Christie had been there every step of the way.

Christie was one of those wonderful executive assistants who adds value all day long. But she wasn't assertive, not on her own

behalf, and Madeline felt sometimes not on behalf of the work. Christie had ambition, but she struggled to take action.

Madeline was Christie's biggest cheerleader.

Now she asked me, what would you think if I gave one of my coaching sessions to Christie? I said, well that sounds like fun.

And then I said, what are you picturing? Madeline shrugged, well, she's heard everything

I have to say about assertiveness.

Actually, a lot of times I just repeat what you've told me, Tom, but there's no movement,

and she's frustrated, so I thought maybe if she talks with you, it'll help her the way it helps me.

I started to speak, but she cut in, saying, and before you ask, the answer is yes, I've told

Christie my idea, and she can't wait.

Sitting with Christie, knowing we had an entire coaching session in front of us, felt like a luxury.

We had never been able to talk longer than a leisurely stroll from the elevator to Madeline's office, or maybe a short chat after a session.

We had talked briefly about her struggle to be more assertive, but now, finally, we had time to dive down into

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